OVERVIEW: Just a little story about your average
sword-swinging, karate-chopping, crime-fighting ninja librarians

Dorrie Barnes had no idea an overdue library book would change her life. When
Dorrie and her brother Marcus chase her pet mongoose into the janitor's closet
of their local library, they accidentally fall through a passage into
Petrarch's Library -the headquarters of a secret society of ninja librarians
who have an important mission: protect those whose words have gotten them into
trouble. Anywhere in the world and at any time in history.

Dorrie would love nothing more than to join the society. But when a traitor
surfaces, she and her friends are the prime suspects. Can they clear their
names before the only passage back to the twenty-first century closes forever?

FORMAT: The Accidental Keyhand is the first
book in the Ninja Librarian series. It is a children's fantasy novel that
combines time traveling, adventure, sword fighting, magic, and mystery. It
stands at 384 pages and was published April 15, 2014 by Sourcebooks
Jabberwocky.

ANALYSIS: When I
first saw Ninja Librarians in the library, I was a bit unsure how this
book would be received. It seemed to take a whole bunch of random stuff and
pack it into one book. It claimed to have adventure, mystery, time-traveling,
ninjas/fighting, libraries, and lots and lots of books. There was a lot that
could go wrong with this book, so I approached it cautiously.

After reading it, all I can say is – I was wrong. Ninja
Librarians is a fun, adventurous children's novel that is unique,
fast-paced and designed for readers of all ages. At just under 400 pages, this
novel creates a truly unique world, takes readers on an adventure, and leaves
the door open for more adventure and fun!

The basics of the plot for this first book of the series is
that two youngsters – Dorrie and Marcus – fall through a portal of sorts. The
portal, which is located in the closest of their local library, takes them to a
mysterious labyrinth that is made up of dozens of different libraries. Only
these libraries are connected to different parts of the word and different
times.

The labyrinth, which is known as Petrarch's Library, is
actually a secret headquarters of sorts for librarians who are fighting to
protect the rights of others who have gotten in trouble for what they
wrote/penned. Librarians aren't the people that you see behind the desk. These librarians
are trained fighters who are quick on their feet and ready to fight.

The Accidental Keyhand follows Dorrie and Marcus as they learn
more about Petrarch's Library and fight to earn a place in the highly secretive
society. Unfortunately, there is an evil counter organization out there that
would like nothing more than to see Petrarch's Library and all those associated
with it taken down. Dorrie and Marcus must work to clear their name and prove
they are not a part of this society before it is too late.

There is so much to
like about The Accidental Keyhand - the strong, fast-paced nature of the
writing, the unique world that is created, and the likeable characters. It is almost
impossible to know where to start.

Jen Swann Downey does an amazing job of crafting a story
that moves at an extremely fast-pace, but that doesn't seem to brush over tiny
details. While reading, I was able to acquaint myself with the world, learn
about the characters, and get a whole backstory to the main story, without
feeling like I was being bogged down with endless details or unimportant
information. In fact, the whole story seemed to just fly right by and before I
knew it – the book was over.

The world of Petrarch's Library did take some time to get
used to. I was afraid it wouldn't work, but something 'clicked' halfway through
and I found it intriguing. I've seen some people compare the world to Harry
Potter and that feeling they got when reading that series. I'm not sure I'd go
that far, but there is a certain magical, unique feel to Petrarch's Library that
makes the entire novel feel special.

One of the amazing things about The Accidental Keyhand is
that I really feel it appeals to both children and adults. Yes, for all intense
and purposes it is a children's fantasy novel, but it really has a gripping,
page-turning quality to it that will make adults like it. Adults will certainly
like the way favorite books/literary characters are weaved into the novel
without seeming forced.

Overall, The Accidental Keyhand is a truly amazing, fun
read. In fact, I almost wish I could become a Ninja Librarian – but I won't be
asked! I anxiously await the next book in this series and until then, you'll be
able to find me looking for an entrance to Petrarch's Library!